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Campaigners are to protest against Pret A Manger in London as they accuse the sandwich chain of scrapping plans to open a branch in Israel after pressure from pro-Palestinian groups.
Pro-Israel group Stop the Hate UK has organised a peaceful protest outside a branch of Pret in the Strand from 12pm tomorrow after Pret announced it would abandon plans to open 40 stores in Israel as part of a deal with Fox Group, an Israeli retail group, and Yerzin Sella Group, a food services company.
In a post on social media platform X, the group shared a link to the donation and details of the protest, saying: “Tomorrow we will be gathering outside Pret a Manger in London for a major protest.
‘Pret recently backed out of opening branches in Israel under pressure from BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions). We cannot remain silent while they choose the wrong side of history.
‘Let’s come together and show Prit that bowing down to supporters of terrorism is unacceptable. His presence will send a strong message that we stand with Israel and will not back down. Standing together we can make a difference.’
A protester stands in front of Pret A Manger with a Palestinian flag and a sign reading “This business supports Israeli genocide” during a demonstration.
Pro-Palestinian protesters outside a branch of Pret in Manchester city centre on 18 November 2023.
Stop the Hate UK posted this poster announcing the protest on their social media accounts.
Itai Galmundi, co-founder of Stop the Hate UK, said: ‘We cannot allow organisations like Pret A Manger to be involved in a movement that seeks to isolate and demonise Israel. This protest is not just about Israel, it is about opposing the normalisation of antisemitism.
‘We are here to show Preet and the world that the Jewish community and those who support us will not be silenced or marginalized. It is a call for justice, unity and peace.’
Pret denied Stop The Hate UK’s claims, saying travel restrictions in the region made it difficult to launch planned branches as the team would not be able to carry out the proper checks and training to establish themselves in a new market.
A Pret A Manger spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘We have taken the difficult decision to terminate our current contracts with Fox Group and Yerzin Sela Group.
‘We tried to delay this decision as long as possible, but the current significant travel restrictions prevented our teams from carrying out the checks and training required to set up Pret in a new market. Under the terms of Pret’s travel insurance, colleagues travelling to Israel will not be insured.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the teams at Fox Group and Yerzin Sela Group, who have been supportive and highly collaborative partners.”
Pret denied claims made by Stop The Hate UK and said travel restrictions in the region made it difficult to launch planned branches as staff would not be able to carry out appropriate checks and training to establish themselves in a new market (file image).
Pro-Palestinian activists called for a boycott because they argued that Pritt’s investment in Israel while it carries out “genocide in Gaza” was unjustified and reprehensible (file image)
But the decision was still welcomed by pro-Palestinian activists who see it as the result of a shift in public opinion against Israel’s military assault on Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7.
Pro-Palestinian activists called for a boycott, arguing that the PRIT’s investment in Israel while it carries out “genocide in Gaza” is unjustified and reprehensible.
Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: “This decision sends a message to all businesses: if you support Israel’s apartheid and genocide against Palestinians, you will face the might of our movement, which will boycott your products and protest in your store.”
‘Israel has gotten away with committing crimes against humanity for far too long. The people of the world hold Israel accountable by refusing to spend or save money for war crimes. Now is the time for our political leaders to end arms sales and pursue Israel with financial and diplomatic support.’
